Applications open for state support for foreign film production

From now until July 13, at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) filmmakers  can apply for the state co-financing program. The aim of the competition is to attract foreign funding for the Latvian film industry and other industries by supporting the production of foreign films, incl. feature films, animated and documentary films, as well as television films, in Latvia.

According to the tender regulations, co-financing for the project amounts to 20% of the total amount of eligible expenses specified in the co-financing agreement, except for the eligible cost items relating to remuneration. The co-financing amount for remuneration cost items is 30%.

“Even during the pandemic, the global film industry was able to earn $80 billion a year. It is a great opportunity for those working in creative industries and technical equipment suppliers to get involved in large projects, gain experience and make money. Calculations show that for every euro invested in foreign film production at least four return to the Latvian economy. We have considerable opportunities to provide interesting and unique film locations, because creating an artificial environment often costs more, therefore, foreign filmmakers are interested in us,” said Kaspars Rožkalns, Director of LIAA, emphasizing that the film industry is seen as an opportunity for the country to generate additional budget revenue, that is why the program focuses on the financial aspects.

In the first round of project selection, which was announced in the spring of 2022, a total of seven film projects were submitted, two of which have received the support. CINEVILLA FILMS will receive 388 thousand euros of co-financing for the production of the continuation of the “Sisi” series about the last Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, and White Pictures, is going to make the film Eve's Call in Latvia. The co-financing for this project is 281 thousand euros.

The funding available for the second round of the competition is 124 thousand euros, but this amount could potentially be increased, given the actual demand.

It should be noted that so far the greatest interest in filming in Latvia has been from producers in Northern Europe, but producers from the USA are also becoming more and more interested after LIAA presented this opportunity at the Spotlight Latvia event in Los Angeles in April 2022.

Look for co-producers, recording studios, location guide, equipment rental options and additional information at filminlatvia.lv

You can read the tender regulations on the LIAA websites www.liaa.gov.lv and www.business.gov.lv.

The application for the project competition can be submitted on the state platform for business development www.business.gov.lv.